Bioactivity of Baltic amber - fossil resin

Abstract

This paper constitutes a review concerning studies on bioactivity of Baltic amber. Baltic amber (succinite) – Eocene fossil resin – is a very complicated mixture consisting of polymeric and low molecular mass components. In folk medicine, succinite is thought to be a remedy for all ailments or diseases. However, there are no scientific results confirming the assumption that succinite can positively influence human body. To confirm it indirectly, many articles examining succinite components were analyzed. Basing on them, we realized that many properties attributed to Baltic amber may originate from its components also released from its polymeric structure. Observed properties are: antioxidative activity, antimicrobial activity, antiphlogistic activity, repellent and insecticidal activity – they coincide with folk medicine applications of succinite.